PHS Wasteteam News & Articles
De-Pack embraces a greener environment
A revolutionary plant which recycles aerosols leaving no trace is hoping to play a major part in diverting the 600 million aerosols that are used in the UK every year, away from landfill.
Established in 2005, De-Pack provides a safe, green and clean process to completely recycle every element of the aerosol can. The De-Pack process is so advanced that it is the only company in Europe and one of only two in the world capable of recycling 100 per cent of aerosols, including the can, contents and propellant gases.
The unique De-Pack process uses compaction and gas liquid separation technologies to de-package aerosols in a safe, nitrogen-blanketed area. As well as allowing the whole can to be re-used or recycled, the technology ensures that any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and propellant gases are contained and prevented from escaping into the atmosphere.
In 2006, only the second year of its commissioning, the liquids and gases that were recovered and used as fuel prevented the burning of 350,000kg of coal. The process also recycled more than 225 tonnes of metal and prevented 50,000 litres of propellant gas and VOCs being released into the atmosphere.
De-Pack is hoping that more manufacturers and businesses will see the monetary and environmental value in using the plant, which the Environment Agency has recognised as Best Available Technology (BAT) - the greenest, cleanest and most technologically advanced way to recycle aerosols. It is also the only plant recommended by the British Aerosol Manufacturing Association for the destruction and recycling of large quantities of aerosols
De-Pack forms part of the larger PHS Wastemanagement division. Managing director, Claire Noble believes that De-Pack will play a major role in helping businesses avoid spiralling waste disposal costs and move away from relying on traditional forms of disposal such as incineration and landfill. Claire said: “Traditionally aerosols have been shredded and whilst this may allow certain parts to be recycled, it allows the unchecked discharge of VOCs and propellant gases into the atmosphere.
“With De-Pack, emissions are contained and not released into the air, thus reducing the risk of fire and preventing the gases escaping. It’s a totally green process where every part is recycled or reused and no component ends up in landfill.”
Claire added: “De-Pack’s machine process can recycle all varieties of aerosol, including those used for body products, household goods, DIY, maintenance and pharmaceutical inhalers and sprays – and it’s fantastic that we have this machine here in the UK.
“At PHS Wastemanagement we are always looking for the most innovative solutions in waste management. De-Pack demonstrates how technology can help us find better solutions for the disposal of hazardous waste that bring genuine environmental benefits.
“It’s this premise along with our united determination to tackle the ‘waste mountain’ that allows us to adhere to the increasing quantity of waste legislation in a cost-effective and conscious way and to fulfil the need created by high-volume aerosol end-users.”
